DOGE Cancels $21 Million Funding for Voter Turnout Initiative in India
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, announced via a tweet on X that a planned $21 million expenditure from US taxpayer dollars intended for voter turnout initiatives in India has been canceled. The funding was part of a broader $486 million package for political strengthening efforts in various countries, including India, Moldova, Bangladesh, Nepal and Liberia. According to the tweet, $22 million was earmarked for "inclusive and participatory political processes" in Moldova, $29 million for "strengthening the political landscape" in Bangladesh, $20 million for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal and $1.5 million for "voter confidence" in Liberia.
The Indian government and the Election Commission, which oversees the country’s 950 million eligible voters, have not yet issued any official statement regarding the funding withdrawal. This move has raised concerns about foreign influence in domestic political processes. Indian economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal responded to the DOGE tweet on X, criticizing the spending, particularly the $21 million allocated for improving voter turnout in India and other similar funding initiatives. Sanyal called USAID’s operations "the biggest scam in human history."
The cancellation of these funds also brings attention to how USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, allocates funds for political initiatives abroad. Under former President Donald Trump’s administration, efforts were made to reduce USAID’s budget and workforce with proposals to cut foreign aid programs. These measures included hiring freezes and reductions in staff, leading to delays or cancellations of contracts and job cuts.
DOGE, which was established during Trump’s second term, has been focused on streamlining government operations and reducing inefficiencies. The department has implemented automation tools, AI-driven solutions, and restructuring to cut costs, sparking debates over job reductions and cost-saving strategies. This has led to significant controversy, including legal challenges related to potential constitutional violations in its actions. The recent move to cancel the funding has further intensified these debates, raising questions about the role of foreign intervention in political processes.
